Time For The Annual Ripoff - And Response (2)

Monday, September 16, 2013

Yes, it's time for the annual rip-off known as emissions testing so I can register my vehicle again. Every September I find myself having to go sit in line and pay the state $10 so they can say my car is okay to drive without polluting the environment.

Does anybody actually fail this test anymore? Isn't it time to mothball this annual cattle prod?

Or is this just another petty example of the government doing something in perpetuity because it can? Gimme a break.

John T. Johnston

* * *

Plenty of people fail the emissions test, Mr. Johnston. All it takes to fail is for the "check engine" light to be on.

This results in an automatic fail without even testing the emissions--proof positive that this racket, err, I mean program, is not about emissions at all.

It's just another pathetic, shameless way for the local government to nickel and dime us to death.

Dallas Cole
Hixson

* * *

I just moved to Tennessee last year and I have had the opportunity to have two emissions tests. I don't know how the testing became law. I'm not an auto mechanic or emissions expert.

If you have a "check engine light" refer to your owners manual and chances are you will find instructions on how to perform a simple test. Depending on the results of your test, you will see that the manual recommends that you need to have your emissions system checked. You can check the owners manual before the light comes on if you just want some information on why
that particular dash light might be related to emissions.

You can have a 'friend' turn off the check engine light for 48 hours with one of those plug-in car diagnostic units. Go have your emissions test and see if you pass it just by having the light turned off. Will you pass the test? I don't know, I'm not an auto mechanic or emissions expert. Good luck.

It is good news about Erlanger's record income, but we need to understand that our county and city government should not pay, if they are paying currently, taxpayers’ money to Erlanger. Plus, if Erlanger is making a profit, it would be advisable to cut the fees charged to patients, especially charges for unnecessary test procedures during emergency visits. Now we know ... (click for more)

“Courage, of all national qualities, is the most precarious; because it is exerted only at intervals, and by a few in every nation,” wrote David Hume. It takes courage to risk life and limb for our state and country. Norman Schwarzkopf said "It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle." It is fitting then, ... (click for more)

Ryan Crowe, 22, was shot Thursday morning in the 600 block of Ashland Terrace, when suspects made entry into his residence and demanded money from him. A witness stated to police that while Mr. Crowe attempted to fight off the suspects, he was shot by one of them. The Chattanooga Police Department responded to a call about the shooting at 2:06 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, ... (click for more)

Governor Bill Haslam and Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips on Thursday announced that county unemployment rates decreased in all 95 counties across Tennessee in April and all counties are at or below five percent. “Our investments in education and workforce development are showing results in all corners of the state and to have such low ... (click for more)

Silverdale Baptist Academy’s softball team is rewriting a script from the 2016 TSSAA state tournament. Two years ago, the Lady Seahawks lost to Meigs County in the opening game. They won four straight to get another crack at the Lady Tigers, and beat them 6-0 for force a deciding game for the championship. Meigs won that one, 8-5, and took home the title. This time around, ... (click for more)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Baylor and GPS continued their softball rivalry here at the Starplex Field No. 3 Wednesday night, but this latest game wasn’t as close as some in the past. These two teams split their regular season games, but the three-time defending Division II-AA Lady Red Raiders won round three here in the winners bracket final. The score wasn’t as close as most with ... (click for more)